Georgia Manufacturing Extension Partnership (GaMEP) at Georgia Tech

We asked #leadershipdevelopment expert Andy Helm, "How can manufacturers help their new leaders develop soft skills?" He discussed avoiding the "leadership hammer" and using tools to build relationships and trust. For more information about developing your team's soft skills, contact us at https://lnkd.in/etz3jeTi. Do you have a question you want to ask one of our #manufacturing experts? Submit your question at https://bit.ly/askGaMEP.

Our Sustainability Cohort, a grant-funded program, assists manufacturers with developing and implementing prevention strategies that achieve cost savings and reduce environmental pollution. Join our information session webinar to learn more about our next cohort, which will begin in March 2025, hosted by Randy Green and Sandra Enciso. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gW4CrTjm

Networking is vital for building relationships and driving collaboration in manufacturing, especially as the industry evolves post-pandemic. This blog by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) explores different MEP centers that have battled this change, like how Alaska MEP's Manufacturing Mixers event showed the power of connecting peers to share insights and solve challenges.  Whether you're exploring a hybrid networking approach or seeking new partnerships, relationships built on authentic conversations can open doors to innovation and growth. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/e45zGJUe #NISTMEP

The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded $285 million to establish the SMART USA Institute, including a Digital Innovation Semiconductor Center that focuses on enhancing advanced packaging and semiconductor technologies. We look forward to supporting Georgia Tech Research with this effort, helping manufacturers connect with and engage in the latest advances in manufacturing!

Struggling with productivity challenges? Embracing technology can be a game-changer for small to medium manufacturers!  The top things to consider from our blog on this topic "Tips for Implementing Technology Solutions to Help Offset Productivity Issues": 1. Start small by addressing pain points and integrating affordable, manageable solutions like sensors for real-time performance tracking.  2. Remember, technology doesn't replace your workforce—it enhances it, creating opportunities for upskilling and smarter decision-making. Whether it’s predictive maintenance or navigating cybersecurity, these tips can help you confidently step into Industry 4.0. Read the full blog here: https://lnkd.in/eCRicH5 Need guidance? GaMEP's experts are here to help you turn technology into a growth engine for your business. Get in touch with your Region Manager today! https://lnkd.in/g7YpviW #ManufacturingInnovation

We asked #supplychain expert Doug Allvine, "How can manufacturers find domestic suppliers?" He shared how the Georgia Supply Chain Exchange database connects manufacturers with domestic suppliers to enhance efficiency, resilience, and savings. To join our supply chain network and connect with domestic suppliers, create an account at https://lnkd.in/e2V7MwhT. Do you have a question you want to ask one of our #manufacturing experts? Submit your question at https://bit.ly/askGaMEP.

Georgia’s manufacturing industry faces a growing workforce challenge, with high turnover rates, an aging workforce, and a national skills gap projected to leave 2.1 million manufacturing jobs unfilled by 2030.  Local initiatives like Northwest Georgia iWorks Project Purpose and technical programs across the state are stepping up to bridge this gap by pairing students with manufacturers, offering boot camps, and providing career training.  Success stories, like that of Juan Triana—who progressed from high school graduate to quality supervisor at Qcells USA Corp. in Dalton—highlight the potential of these programs to strengthen Georgia’s manufacturing future. Read the full story here:  https://lnkd.in/d5NsgPRg Learn more about Project Purpose and their other initiatives here: https://lnkd.in/eQ8uWxEJ John Zegers Leigh H. Georgia Tech - Center for Economic Development Research

Please join us in recognizing our friend and colleague Sam Darwin as he marks 30 years of service to the manufacturers of Georgia! Since 1994, Sam has helped countless organizations by applying his expertise across industrial engineering, process improvement, plant and warehouse layouts, and problem-solving of all kinds. He’s been a coach and mentor to many of us along the way and continues to set a high standard of excellence. As a retired Colonel in the Army National Guard, Sam spent two of those years on military leave while serving in Afghanistan and Iraq. Thank you, Sam, for showing the way! #ASPIRE National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Georgia Institute of Technology